FAQs
WHAT ARE JEWISH GENETIC DISEASES?
Jewish genetic diseases are a group of disorders that occur with significant frequency in the Ashkenazi Jewish population (those of Eastern European descent). Many are severe and some are fatal in childhood.
IF I DON’T HAVE A JEWISH GENETIC DISEASE, WHY SHOULD I CARE?
Carriers can be healthy individuals and have no symptoms. Jewish genetic diseases are recessively inherited, meaning that even if you are healthy, if you and your partner are carriers for the same disease, your children could be affected. The term “carrier” means that you “carry” one altered copy of a gene.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CARRIER?
There are only two ways to know if you are a carrier – get screened or have an affected child. Medically accurate carrier screening involves a simple blood test that examines a person’s genes for specific mutations. You are not automatically screened for any of these disorders; you must request to be screened for the complete panel of 19 Jewish genetic diseases from your doctor.
WHAT IF I AM A CARRIER?
If you are a carrier for a genetic disease, it’s important that your partner is also screened. Carriers and carrier couples have many options available to them for having healthy children; but it’s important to learn this information now before starting a family or planning for your next child. Arrange to meet with a genetic counselor to help assess your risks and to discuss options for having a healthy family.
SHOULD I BE SCREENED IF MY PARTNER IS NOT ASHKENAZI JEWISH?
Yes, even if your partner is not Jewish you need to be screened. Many of these diseases can occur in the non-Jewish population. So if you are a carrier for a genetic disease your partner will also need to be screened for that disease.
WHAT IF I’M SEPHARDIC?
Sephardic Jews are at risk for a different set of diseases. To learn more about these diseases, click here.
WHY SHOULD I UPDATE MY SCREENING?
The need to update your screening before every pregnancy is crucial as advances in technology enables testing for new diseases. Individuals planning a family should inquire about screening prior to every pregnancy, not just the first, to maximize their reproductive options.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER SCREENING? WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE?
Your insurance may cover the cost of screening and updating your screening. If you are uninsured or underinsured or have already been screened, there are options to enable you to be screened. Check back soon to find out how to verify your coverage.
Your insurance may cover the cost of screening and updating your screening. To download a script to use when calling your insurance company, click here.
To view our financial assistance guidelines, click here.
If your insurance does not cover the cost of screening and you have financial need click here.
WHERE CAN I GET SCREENED FOR THE CURRENT 19 DISEASES?
Screening for the 19 diseases is available in Atlanta through your doctor/OB/GYN and by contacting Karen Grinzaid, the Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen genetic counselor, at 404-778-8516 or Karen@atljewishgenescreen.org. Genetic counseling is an essential component for all patients undergoing screening. Patients can be counseled and screened throughout the year. The Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen is also sponsoring two community screenings: one in the fall and and one in the spring. These screenings will provide insured, uninsured and underinsured individuals the opportunity to be tested. Advanced registration will be required at www.victorcenters.org/screening